Have a question for the doctor? Email us at [email protected] and your question could
feature in the next issue of B-Living.
Hi Doc Good afternoon Doctor
I have been battling with canker sores for years now;
they are so sore and I have them once or twice every two
months and sometimes get them when I consume juice.
What causes them? And is there anything I can do to avoid
them? I am an HIV-positive 29-year-old male and have been living
with it since I was 17 years old. I am healthy and not yet on
ARVs. My partner and I are on the primary option and part
of the aid for aids programme. I keep hearing this talk of
Prep tablets and I would like to know how it works and if
I, as someone who is positive, can use it with my partner
who is HIV negative, since we are trying for a baby.
Thank you
Melinda
Dear Melinda
The exact cause of most canker sores is unknown. Stress or tissue
injury is thought to be the cause of most canker sores. Certain
food, including citrus or acidic fruits such as lemons, oranges,
pineapples, apples, figs, tomatoes and strawberries can trigger
a canker sore or make the problem worse. Sometimes, a sharp
tooth surface or dental appliance, such as braces or ill-fitting
dentures, might also trigger canker sores.
Some cases of complex canker sores are caused by an underlying
health condition, such as an impaired immune system;
nutritional problems, such as vitamin B-12, zinc, folic acid, or
iron deficiency; or gastrointestinal tract disease, etc.
Pain from a canker sore generally lessens in a few days, and the
sores usually heal without treatment in about a week or two.
Canker sores treated with dental lasers exhibit almost complete
relief of the symptoms immediately. Talk to your dentist about
the procedure.
Regards
Anonymous
Hi Anonymous
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, also known as PrEP, is an ARV
drug in the form of tablets that can be taken by HIV negative
patients. The drug must to be taken daily to significantly
reduce the chances of contracting the virus. However, you don’t
have to take PrEP for the rest of your life – only when you are at
a significant risk of contracting HIV.
The drug can cause initial side-effects like nausea in some
people and some patients have experienced moderate declines
in kidney function associated with higher doses and older age.
However, these side effects are rare and the drug is generally
safe and highly recommended.
Since you are a member of Bonitas and a registered member of
Aid for AIDS, you will be pleased to know that the Scheme covers
at least six months of PrEP for medical scheme members who
are at a high risk of HIV as well as those who are in relationships
with HIV-positive partners. Please contact the Aid for AIDS
programme on 0860 100 646 to find out more about what they
can offer you and your partner.
Disclaimer: The advice included above is for information purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor or medical practitioner. We
strongly urge you to consult with your family practitioner before embarking on a health treatment or programme. All information has been checked by a
Bonitas Clinical advisor.
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B-Living Issue 4, 2017